Big Wines #186

Start in the Art Style

Founded in 2019, Big Wines is still young in terms of its presence on the market, yet it has already carved out a notable space for itself. Its journey into the world of winemaking, however, began during a time of upheaval – the same year the full-scale russian invasion of Ukraine began in 2022. From the outset, Big Wines set itself through its unwavering commitment to celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Ukraine.

The owner and CEO, Nataliia Burlachenko, envisioned a brand that would not only reflect the best of Ukrainian terroir through the Ukrainian autochthonous or local grape varieties but would also honor the artistic and historical traditions of her homeland. The labels of Big Wines feature reproductions of works by the iconic Ukrainian artist, master Ivan Marchuk.

Terroirs and Varieties

Big Wines began with a strong foundation – its own vineyards. Despite the ongoing war and all the associated risks, the owners, with an unwavering belief in Ukraine’s future, invested in 87 hectares of vineyards in the renowned wine-growing regions of the Odesa area, specifically in the village of Shabo and in Bessarabia. The company’s future plans include planting new vineyards in the Mykolaiv and Odesa regions, focusing on the Odesa Black and Sukholymansky varieties. The land for these new vineyards has already been partially acquired, with the remaining plots still being selected to ensure a diversity of terroirs. With a deep understanding of winemaking, the brand’s owners meticulously choose locations that best suit each variety, as they place a strong emphasis on terroir-driven wines and the uniqueness of each specific area. The combination of natural terroir factors shapes the distinct character of the grapes, which in turn defines the wine itself.

Winery Construction

The Big Wines company is in the process of building a new winery near Kyiv. Currently, an important stage of design is nearing completion—large-scale work during which all the specific requirements for future production must be taken into account.

This process is time-consuming, as once the project is finalized, full-scale production will exist both on paper and in the virtual space. The winery will include the production of red and white wines, both aged and young, still and sparkling. The sparkling wines will be produced under the recently acquired brand, 46 Parallel Wine Group, which has already established itself successfully in the sparkling wine segment. The winemakers plan to place significant focus on this attractive and rapidly growing segment within their portfolio. As a result, the project is being adjusted to accommodate these new challenges and ensure the winery is well-equipped for future production needs.

Wine Tourism: A New Vector of Development

Initially, the concept for the new winery focused solely on closed production, aimed exclusively at creating high-quality wines. However, over time, the owners decided to adjust the plan to include wine tourism, recognizing the growing demand for winery visits, tastings, and events. This shift led them to adapt the project to accommodate guests and create an inviting space for wine tourism experiences.